What is a double-double in basketball?

In the world of basketball statistics, few feats are as universally recognized and respected as the double-double. It's a clear indicator of a player's all-around impact, demonstrating their ability to excel in multiple statistical categories within a single game. But what exactly is a double-double, and who are the legendary players who have mastered this fundamental achievement across the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA?

From buzzer-beaters to slam dunks, basketball is full of electrifying moments — but few stats speak louder about a player's versatility than the double-double. It’s not just about scoring; it’s about showing up across the board, from rebounds to assists and everything in between. Whether it’s a dominant big man owning the paint or a crafty guard filling the stat sheet, the double-double remains a badge of consistency and impact. So, how does this stat come together, and which players have made it a regular part of their game?

A double-double is achieved when a player records double-digit totals in two of the five main statistical categories during a single game. These categories are:

• Points: The total number of scores a player accumulates.
• Rebounds: Gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot (offensive or defensive).
• Assists: Delivering the ball to a teammate who then scores.
• Steals: Taking the ball away from an opponent.
• Blocks: Deflecting an opponent's shot attempt.

While a double-double can technically involve any two of these categories, it most commonly refers to a player achieving at least 10 points and 10 rebounds or 10 points and 10 assists. For instance, in the case of LSU's Angel Reese, her record-setting double-doubles consistently consisted of at least 10 points and 10 rebounds.

WNBA Double-Double royalty

The women's game has seen incredible consistency and dominance in the double-double department.

Single-Season Record: The current WNBA single-season record for most double-doubles belongs to Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (picture above), who remarkably set the mark with 28 double-doubles in 2023.

All-Time career leader: Leading the pack in career double-doubles in WNBA history is Tina Charles, who has accumulated an astonishing 194 double-doubles.

NBA Double-Double legends

The NBA has a long and storied history of players who consistently stuffed the stat sheet.

All-Time Career Leader: The undisputed king of career double-doubles in NBA history is Wilt Chamberlain, with an incredible 968. Since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976, Tim Duncan holds the top spot with 841 career double-doubles, showcasing his enduring consistency.

Most Consecutive Double-Doubles: Wilt Chamberlain also holds the seemingly unbreakable NBA record for the most consecutive double-doubles, achieving a staggering 227 straight games with a double-double from 1964 to 1967. More recently, Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis put together an impressive streak of 61 consecutive games with double-doubles during the 2023-24 season, marking the longest such run since the NBA-ABA merger.

Most Double-Doubles in a season: Once again, Wilt Chamberlain stands alone with the NBA record for the most double-doubles in a single season, recording an incredible 81 for the then-San Francisco Warriors during the 1966-67 campaign.

NCAA Double-Double titans

Collegiate basketball has also produced its share of double-double machines, laying the foundation for future professional careers.

NCAA Men's career record: The record for most career double-doubles in NCAA men's basketball belongs to former University of the Sciences (now Saint Joseph's) guard Garret Kerr, who achieved 89 double-doubles from 2011-15.

NCAA Women's career record: The all-time leader in career double-doubles in NCAA women's basketball is former Oklahoma standout Courtney Paris, with a staggering 128 double-doubles from 2006-09. Her consistency was legendary, including a record 112 straight games with a double-double.

The double-double remains a cornerstone statistic that highlights a player's comprehensive contribution to their team's success. From collegiate phenoms to professional icons, the ability to consistently impact the game in multiple ways solidifies a player's place in basketball history.